Mandala Drum Interview: Danny Carey of Tool

Mandala V3 limited production run pre-orders now accepted at mandaladrum.com
Drummer Danny Carey of Tool and Volto talks about anticipating chord changes and setting up a song's nuances and changes while leading people into a new space, all with the help of his Mandala Drums, in the third of our three-part interview series featuring Danny, Amy Knoles, and Ryeland Allison.
Experience more Danny at (dannycarey.com) and (toolband.com).
Directed and Photographed by James Mann (cameraexperimen...).
All things Mandala Drum can be found at (mandaladrum.com).

[@jdp609]

Simply one of the most intelligent and artful rock musicians out there.

[@rexross6808]

we are truly blessed to be able to witness his mastery of percussion. especially his work in tool.

[@6869jonny]

A legend

[@-Miroslav]

Indeed! I hit 420th like on your comment 😁

[@shotgunsam23]

Dude is so nice and humble too.

[@GreyJedi73]

Not to mention a wannabe basketball player

[@Qliphirot]

"The drums they can get pretty boring as a solo instrument; but if you play the right things and suport music, and play songs rather than beats, it can has infinite possibilities and can take people to other places." CAREY, Daniel Edwin The most creative drummer ever.

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

most creative ever? ehm on what basis?

[@diddodog2266]

MemoryLaneCinema just listen to a tool song

[@diddodog2266]

MemoryLaneCinema or CCT on Tool’s new album

[@MemoryLaneCinema]

@@diddodog2266 I have since the mid 90's kid

[@adahbombdon1512]

MemoryLaneCinema yeah kid! 😂 tough guy over here

[@idoalittletrolling4867]

I love the way everyone in Tool talks, idk why. Maynard always has this humorous, yet serious tone. Adam has a nice calming voice. Danny just has one of those voices you love to respond to. And Justin is British, so, instant win.

[@Ch0obyHD]

He's from Australia not british

[@frightenedsoul]

SpaceCowboy98 yeah, but where did those white settlers in Australia come from? Check mate!! (I’m kidding by the way)

[@Ch0obyHD]

@@frightenedsoul hahahahahahha

[@frightenedsoul]

SpaceCowboy98 I did look it up and he was born and raised on London though. Just an FYI

[@Ch0obyHD]

@@frightenedsoul for real? Damn didn't know that. Thx man.

[@Ms.Behaving]

That smile at 1:05 is utterly childlike from a beast of a man. Melts my heart

[@kai326]

I always said his smile looks like a little boy who won first prize at a science fair

[@keikofreespirit6374]

❤

[@newspaperlightbulb]

Just by the way Danny explains drumming in such a deep and technical way, you already know he’s one of the best.

[@cardinaldriver]

In the top 25 best rock drummers to ever exist. That's a HUGE achievement.

[@mickjagger149]

Such a humble genius. Nothing but respect for Danny!

[@Kinger172]

I could literally watch him play all day!

[@alpur214]

I feel like Danny could be a decent motivational speaker. He is incredibly intelligent in what he is talking about, and he's not too boring to listen to.

[@darthdurkelthewise320]

When I listen to a TOOL album I’m listening to Carey as much if not more than than anything or anyone else. This is the only modern band that I do this with. His contributions are that interesting and good.

[@abefroman764]

I love how Danny interprets time. He creates rhythms that no one else can think of. His fills are so creative, and I feel like im inside of his brain when I listen to him.

[@LinuxMFKR]

I love his incorporation of sacred geometry into the drums

[@65Drums]

Really cool to hear him talking in-depth about that set.

[@martijnisnothere]

Met him after a TOOL gig when I was 16 years old. As I shook his massive hand (which disappeared into mine) all I said was 'Hey man you're the best.' He said 'Thanks man'. Super humble and nicest guy.

[@ricky19751904]

I practice with his signature drumsticks , they're heavier and bigger but surprisingly balanced ,but when I play with my drumsticks ,it's like I'm not holding anything .

[@cloudbloom]

I saw Tool a few years ago and partway through the set Danny had this crazy electronic and drumming song/solo that was all done by him while the other members were off stage. It was so expressive and weird and technical, I was pretty amazed at what he was doing

[@Username-ng8jy]

Chocolate chip trip??

[@robbwilshaw8054]

And on top of his great talent and ideas.....he's super humble makes him even that much cooler \_/

[@VOD713]

Gay

[@mariinito8398]

@@VOD713 we're all gay for Danny

[@manakin5]

And that right there is what I love so much about Danny Carey. He's about the music. His playing his amazing, inspired, and intricate, but everything he does is about supporting the song, not just self-indulgence or trying to impress others. He's a sonic explorer. And an adorable goofball too!

[@Illumignostic]

Ive always said that what I like about Danny was that he played songs and not just beats. Crazy to hear him say that

[@DavyRo]

Very true what he's saying he's totally hit the nail on the head the way describes playing the song not the beat it makes a massive difference. We all know how unique Tools variety is in music from their songs. The musicianship of the members is on another level & DC puts it across about the drumming aspect perfectly here.

[@BiRDiEHere]

"I wanna be a basketball player." *Danny Carey, Height: 6'5"*

[@GrantZPrice]

3:09 Infinite possibilities. As below, so above and beyond, I imagine drawn outside the lines of reason. Push the envelope. Watch it bend.

[@diluvian7974]

+Grant Z Price i see what you did there

[@ThereminElectro]

2 years faster than me

[@hockyjocky4]

Grant Z Price swing on the spiral

[@timothyreff6750]

Grant Z Price a masterpiece! Spiral out 🤘

[@BH02377]

Ugh. Another new age hippie!

[@Asianbeard]

I wish more drummers had his mindset and compositional ideas

[@Gideonite]

Every time Danny blinks his eyes a new drummer is born.

[@ryanj7517]

He has always been a student of the world of percussion. His technique and willingness to stay humble makes him the greatest IMO. He makes things look effortless that absolutely aren’t. Never see any Ego with DC.

[@xZOOMORPHICx]

I only have two drums, bayan and dayan. I play along with Danny while listening to Tool almost everyday, and have been practicing my bol. He has inspired me since 1994. 💚

[@petermcglone7172]

I have loved tool since 1992 or 3. Simply the best at what they do and nobody even comes close to the artistic expression of tool. I am a drummer and a bass player up in Canada so I know how hard it is to find something as cool as Tool.

[@At0m05]

Danny Carey is my spirit animal

[@aaronbiglow6573]

One of the greatest.

[@offdutyjie]

Fucken Danny Carey! I play the guitar lol.. But this guy is hands down one of my favorite artists out there to date....

[@Tiziano182]

i play drums and i have a guitar! :D hurray

[@jrgdrumsandwatches]

One reason why I love Danny Carey is that he cares so much on the sound of the drums in general. If you have seen his custom made Sonor Kit from the 10'000 days tour, you know what I mean. Every tom, every cymbal is chosen for a reason. His 8" tom is much thicker than his 16" floor tom for example. And it goes on to what he says at the end. He plays songsrather than just beat. Brilliant!

[@cardinaldriver]

Yep, I was there and I 100% agree. You're trying to follow what he is doing and its just impossible especially with his non-traditional , hybrid kit setup. He electrifies.

[@dan.j.boydzkreationz]

There is not a better rock drummer than Danby Edwin Carey. 10th May, 1964. His grandmother bought him a kit when he was kid and he's been studying jazz for three decades

[@mariorossipuzza]

"danny carey, drummer of tool, drummer of volto, wannabe basketball player" hahahahahahahha

[@hc90256]

he might want to be a basketball player ;)

[@cardinaldriver]

Explains the b-ball jerseys then. Its pretty cool how he wears the NBA team specifically to the city he is performing in. And he seems so humble.

[@MrDash03]

He was offered a basketball scholarship for a college but he wanted to study music instead.

[@droneready8278]

Put the skills he's got he can want to be anything 💯

[@DonnieFreymoyer]

Also played with Green Jello/Jelly

[@doylustheboy]

I saw Tool live having only really listened to Lateralus...this guy was unbelievable....he could of played by himself & I would of wanted an encore.......

[@nohalfmeasures6]

Top 30 drummer of all-time.

[@jamesschuh8568]

I love Danny's style of playing 😌 so rhythmic beats and sounds. The art of his style play is really amazing🙌👏👏👏I enjoy watching him execute his drums 🥁. Well done Bro 🤘😎🤘

[@jbuell311]

I love how he Isnt afraid to explore new territories and go where no others have. Carey is a modern day pioneer, and of course an enigmatic genius.

[@charleskeillor2274]

He's gone places no one has been with DMT as well lol

[@susiejo143]

I could listen to him all day

[@Ninololcss]

0:25 thats why he is the god of all drummers, period

[@ShEDDiNgmYSkiN]

Danny takes my ears and brain to a new dimension when I listen to him play. The drums on top of the synth loops and Mandala pads are a trio of beauty.

[@chfilms7651]

2:38 he came mighty close to hitting that Tokyo Drift...

[@311DaveR]

The most wicked beats to such awesome songs. Pure joy to listen to. Thanks.

[@HermeticAscetic22]

00:58 humblest self-intro ever. :D

[@harrison1821]

"play songs, rather than beats." Love this guy!

[@Southboundpachyderm]

I've never been a massive tool fan, but as musicians I've always respected the living hell out of them. Each member is so fucking talented. I love Danny Carry's philosophy about the drums being an actual pitched instrument. I've always felt the same way, and hated the idea of just playing 4/4 money beat over and over again. My drums are an instrument. Dynamics, tone, harmony and melody all apply to the kit just as much as any other instrument. Ironically it was learning piano that taught me to appreciate the drums even more.

[@jonao8808]

Some of the best advice ever given to a drummer

[@theone4629]

One of the greatest drummers in the world

[@Ol_brown_eyes]

I can see his Niel Peart appreciation in this video...Respect!

[@tor97kool]

if i could listen to one thing for the rest of my life, no question it would be his drumming.

[@cardinaldriver]

Well we are all wannabe TooL drummers sir! Your originality and unique approach will never let that happen.

[@cardinaldriver]

The way he implements these e-drums and gets different tones out of them always had me befuddled. As a huge Peart fan all my life, no one drummer has stoked the creative fire within me since like Carey. I would go as far as saying he is most likely the most innovative and marketable drummer that has ever donned the skins...or pads for that matter. How many of you drummers out there ever try for weeks to get one of his hooks from your head to your hands and feet? He possesses unbelievable hand/foot independence. I can play a full Rush tune. I wouldn't attempt anything by Tool in a live setting. Just a creative genius with a completely alien approach to drumming. He found the perfect partner in Mandala. How many zones can you get out of one pad anyway? And it looks like they have programmable zone positioning at that. In the live performance of Luna he looks as if he has a pad divided into "pie" sections if you will, to achieve different tones. Am I correct in my assumption?

[@charleskeillor2274]

Yessir unfortunately it is impossible to find these anymore.

[@vincefisher9907]

One of the most musical drummers out there.

[@DennisMenacing]

You cannot interview a more outstanding percussionist than you have here. KUDOS!

[@Stu411]

I could just listen to him improvising all day on these mandalas, the Tool album shall be a journey especially if he uses these.

[@PramodSetlur]

"With a click of a button, I can have a whole new setting for each song". I mean think about the initial effort that goes into setting these sounds up on each of the pad for each song.

[@damienducote1851]

He definitely participates in the musical experience

[@jayyoung3572]

Watching this video just made me realize Danny Carey hasn't unleashed not even 5% of his full capabilities because what I am hearing now.. is quite different. I hope this new album sheds light on some of the new sounds I'm hearing on his drums.

[@odsonic]

I learned so much in 3 minutes of what I know..knew..and need to experience

[@chrisprado4597]

I love how Danny is like the best of the best, yet he is so humble and doesn't brag about his talent like others **Cough** Travis Barker **cough** Mike Porntoy Chad Szeliga **cough**

[@cardinaldriver]

@@BloodlineMedia Portnoy is a, ahem...tool! "You can play YYZ, but can you play La Villa Strangiato?" " After a while I just went on to bigger, better things." Actual quotes from Rush: All the World's a Stage and the exact moment I lost all respect for him. I mean cool...you can puke double stroke rolls and all over your kit, like a thousand other professional drummers. Whoopdie doo! Get over yourself and never disrespect the King again dousche!

[@cardinaldriver]

@@BloodlineMedia lmao!!!! Absolutely

[@keithferris9574]

I've never heard Travis Barker say anything egotistical.

[@Username-ng8jy]

@@keithferris9574 Travis is very basic. Even if he said anything pompous I wouldn’t even give a shit lol

[@vincent2053]

What a dumb comment

[@danksmoke420]

Mr. Danny Carey! 🐐 That man could probably make a drum set made out of coffee cans sound good. He's so much more than just a drummer.

[@ThePathOfEudaimonia]

What a bloody cool (Tool) guy.

[@charlesallin]

Most creative drummer ever. Love Him....

[@MrGunwitch]

Musical genius. I love this man.

[@christoole6820]

Best drummer I have ever herd

[@ffolinzeni1060]

Best. Drummer. Ever. Awesome human too.

[@RayanRawdrum]

definitely wanting to get one of these love the hybrid drum kit setting :) Danny is the man

[@djtransitions1]

BEST DRUMMER WITH THE BEST T-SHIRT EVER

[@jeremy123422]

Danny Carey and all of the other members of Tool are fuckin Wizards man...

[@Qliphirot]

+jeremy123422 He literally is.

[@AkRev]

Indeed, leading people into the new space...

[@bapashbacarde]

If you ever get to see TOOL live do it. I witnessed his drum solo a few short months after I saw Rush. No disrespect but his drum solo towered over Neil’s solo piece. (I do get they are 20 years apart in age and it was towards the end of Rush’s touring life). Still is very creative and uses some wicked technology in his performances.

[@ddiotte]

can't wait to get myself two of them!!!

[@alonsomendiola3212]

Danny carey:a great drummer and a beautifull smile

[@xXToMMyXx002]

Danny uses the prototype mandala pads that he helped design with Vince DeFranco, he uses the program battery and records some of his own sounds to put in the program, I'm sure you can get tabla sounds in both battery and virtual brain though.

[@triple6758]

Simply The Best.

[@JD-sc7bd]

"play songs, rather than beats.... it can people to other places".... mind blown

[@morganhendry]

From my understanding Danny's pads were the original prototypes (pre-v1.0). I held one of the shells, and they are really beefy: full metal shell and I believe an XLR cable to an external brain unit. I could be wrong though as there are military spec USB connectors that screw together for a hard lock. I've been contemplating making some mods to my pads to try and get some of those benefits at a lower cost.

[@andrewweiss1301]

We are so lucky to be around to experience DC

[@mikkomarkuskaariainen9023]

That guy, is humble as the Best drummer on universe should!! ')

[@bobipoirier]

Danny should actually make a mandala solo. Like a huge solo with tons of sets

[@SharpChronofighter]

Fine musician and fine gear!

[@markmarsh27]

The Mantle was passed to Danny Carey when Neil Peart passed away and Bill Bruford retired -- There is no greater Drummer in the World today.

[@GlitchComputer]

I'll be honest I love the feel of the previous mandala pads then the new versions 2.9 pads. Something similar to the material on Danny prototypes seems like a better feel to play. I imagine its just rubber too.

[@LadyPashta]

Danny is the best drummer in the world.

[@MostlyCloudy]

I love him, and I love that shirt!

[@DavidOakesMusic]

Phil Rudd is the ultimate *plays a beat and not for the song* drummer. I saw an AC/DC live gig on youTube and it was several minutes before he even did a fill.

[@jeffbeaudoin4544]

Greatest drummer of all time IMO

[@wassimhamed9458]

God of drums

[@LikeWater425]

Amazing he is.

[@udomatthiasdrums5322]

still love it!!

[@Piplodocus]

Legend.

[@mamanatare1]

THE NEW ALBUM PLEASSEEE!!!!!!

[@morganhendry]

I've been using Ableton Live myself, mainly because I double on keyboards for my band Beware of Safety (also backing tracks/sequences). I've heard great things about Battery though.

[@robertsalvati518]

Genius!!

[@myownruin187]

A drum God among us ..

[@davidnissim9203]

He said he wants to be a basketball player but if he was, we’d never know about his one of a kind drumming...

[@dopefish250]

He always sounds like he has a cold

[@francisd2386]

dopefish250 and its getting worse with time, go listen to older interviews lol

[@khaledismaeel9710]

This aged like fine wine

[@JulezNDrumz]

Life Champion!

[@cvj2311]

Danny, awesome!

[@Spratino]

coolest guy you will ever meet

[@nikkovellios]

Who, other than 👉this guy👈 🤚 hit the thumbs up button the moment it loaded, because it's Danny Carry?

[@TheJortack]

2:39 Chocolate Chip Trip